The 'plan' at the moment is to install the RNS-E, Bluetooth handsfree and reversing camera. I might as well do this right now whilst my carpets and interior is out for the individual rear seat install.

For those not in the know, the RNS-E has a million advantages over the RNS-D Navi plus that comes with D2 normally, here are a few:

Faster, way faster
Larger, wide, screen
Flip down screen reveals 2 SD card slots
Plays MP3 directly from said slots
Support for an excellent bluetooth handfree system
Europe wide mapping as standard
Did I mention it was faster?
TMC built in, no external box, and it works 100%
Supports the exsting CD changer in the boot
Supports reversing camera
Supports playback of CD's through front slot

It does has 2 significant issues though:

1) The D2 console is a different shape to the A3/A4/A6/TT and thus as the RNS-E was never meant to go in to the D2, it doesnt actually fit. The good news is though that the A4 / A6 are a close fit, and with some brave cutting down to size, it should go in snug.

2) You lose the DIS turn by turn directions, and anything else graphical that it would put up in the large section of the screen. You do however get radio / track names etc. I hate this, but I'm willing to sacrifice it for the other benefits.

Today marks the start of the project as some toys, sorry, components have arrived in the post:

First up, from Kufantec.de:

Their order codes: 33406 and 34403, a pair of coax adapters.

The single connection terminating in a blue end is for converting a pre-existing RNS-D type Satnav aerial cable into an RNS-E one. You wouldnt need this unless you already have an RNS-D...

The other cable is for converting the radio aerial from the two connections on the back of the RNS-D into the smaller twin package that plugs into the RNS-E.

Next, also from kufantec.de - Their item bumber 33405 a harness for converting the RNS-D wiring connections into the RNS-E Quadlock.

It makes a really easy job of it. The two stray cables are for the canbus connections which are the other side of the TMC module and must be soldered in manually, there is no getting around this if you want the radio station / track names in the DIS.

Also from Kufantec, but could be bought anywhere - Some fabric tape. Can make even the messiest of cable wiring jobs look factory standard - I have loads of it as I'll need to do all the wiring for the rear seats too..

And finally, the bluetooth handsfree module. I dont pretend to be an expert on these. I think some of the better ones can do rsap as well, but that doesnt interest me, so here we have a 'brand new' unit from www.carsystems.pl complete with wiring loom and bluetooth aerial... Look on ebay, there are loads to choose from:

So, I'm just waiting for the RNS-E now... I've got for the A6 version, which is slightly more expensive due to the rarity than the A4 one, but should give an overall better fit. The A4 version is quite high, but about 1mm too narrow at either side. When fitted the gap is inpercetible really, but it would annoy me because I'd know it was there.

I've also ordered a rear view camera off Ebay (£12) and I'm just deliberating whether to fit a pukka Audi TV tuner or not....

Ian, thanks in advance for doing the RNS E write up. I was going to pay to have mine done so this should save me some money.

I currently have my I Phone connected up to the RNS D through the TV tuner in the back using AV cables. How would I connect it up to the RNS E? Also where are you hooking the rearview cam into? As I understand the old TV tuner is no good with an RNS E? Thanks

... all the way from Lithuania, very well packaged and looks mint (just like the last one I ordered from there... )

The RNS-E, just powered on with the startup screen....

Here is the navigation map view, still showing somewhere in Germany where it last had a GPS fix. I've not had chance to get a fix here in the UK yet...

Here is the map view showing the European wide detailed coverage - One of the major improvements of the RNS-E over the RNS-D as it has a DVD rom, not CD...

And it wouldnt be complete without a quick shot of the SD card readers that are hidden behind the drop down screen.... 2 of them, but only good for SD, not HC-SD, shame... but way better MP3 support than the RNS-D

1)Will any RNS E work? I read somewhere the D2 needs gala enabled for the A8/S8 speed signal and this is the part number I am looking for: 4B0 035 192 P
Is this correct as this unit is more pricey than the others.
2)Does the blue tooth car kit come with the microphone?

1)Will any RNS E work? I read somewhere the D2 needs gala enabled for the A8/S8 speed signal and this is the part number I am looking for: 4B0 035 192 P
Is this correct as this unit is more pricey than the others.
2)Does the blue tooth car kit come with the microphone?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to work it all out.

1) - I think so. gninnam is running an A4 unit in a FL D2 that I suppled a while back without issues as far as I'm aware. There is an uplift in cost for the A6 ones, I'm just hoping it fits better without as much hacking of the faceplate that the A4 needs... You already have a gala signal to your RNS-D, so no worries there..... I'll post more as I find things out